Throughout history, watches have been defining accessories for royalty and political figures, symbolising not only status but also personal taste and subtle messaging.
Here, we explore the enduring allure of luxury timepieces among these high-profile personalities.
Members of royal families often wear watches that reflect tradition and refinement, with brands like Cartier and Omega being favoured for their elegance and craftsmanship. For example, Cartier’s classic designs have been worn by royals, embodying timeless sophistication. In the political sphere, leaders frequently choose watches that align with their public personas. A Parmigiani Fleurier can signify a taste for exclusivity and precision, while a TAG Heuer, known for its sports heritage, might reflect a dynamic and active lifestyle.
The watches these figures choose communicate more than fashion—they send signals about their values and leadership style. A sleek Omega can suggest reliability and confidence, while a more unique choice, such as Parmigiani Fleurier, might convey a desire for innovation and distinction. Ultimately, these timepieces offer a glimpse into their personality, serving as powerful symbols of both status and individuality.
Fondly known as ‘the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers,’ Cartier’s timepieces have often been the choice of prominent political figures and members of royal families worldwide. In particular, the Tank, first introduced in 1917, was inspired by the clean lines of military tanks and quickly became a symbol of understated elegance. Its minimalist design and rectangular case have made it a favourite of historical personalities such as Princess Diana and former First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy and Michelle Obama.
In fact, the Tank was also frequently seen on the wrist of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, as well as current French President Emmanuel Macron—underscoring its timeless appeal across genders – making it a fitting choice for high-profile individuals who embrace power without flamboyance.
Also from Cartier is the Ballon Bleu – a popular choice among the modern generation of royalty. Equally as timeless as the Tank, the Ballon Bleu embraces a more contemporary and fluid design language, characterised by its ‘circle within a circle within a circle’ aesthetic. This design showcases innovation through subtle details, such as its domed sapphire crystal and integrated winding crown, set with a blue cabochon. Blending Cartier’s heritage with a versatile, modern style, the Ballon Bleu has often been seen on Catherine, Princess of Wales. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton is also known to frequently wear his gold Cartier Ballon Bleu.
Swiss watchmaker OMEGA has also proven to be a popular choice among royalty and political figures, thanks to its durability, timeless designs, and proven track record as a reliable watchmaker. The late Queen Elizabeth was known to favour dainty, Art Deco-style gold watches, and in the 1990s, she was often seen wearing an OMEGA Ladymatic bracelet watch in yellow gold, which appeared in numerous press photos throughout the decade, alongside some of her other preferred timepieces.
For gentlemen, Prince William is nearly synonymous with his OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M featuring a blue dial—reportedly a gift from his late mother, Princess Diana. Current U.S. President Joe Biden also favours OMEGA and is often seen wearing either a Seamaster Diver 300M or the Speedmaster Professional ‘Moonwatch’—the only watch approved by NASA for Extravehicular Activity (EVA).
Former U.S. President Barack Obama, on the other hand, appeared to prefer timepieces with a more utilitarian aesthetic. During his campaigning days, and later throughout his term in office, he was often seen wearing a TAG Heuer dive watch from the 1500 series. Although this series was discontinued by the brand in the mid-1990s, the simple three-hand quartz watch, reliable and efficient without unnecessary embellishments, led some to view it as a reflection of his character.
Parmigiani Fleurier is another brand steadily gaining recognition among royalty. Known for its subtle, understated approach to luxury, this relatively young brand—founded in 1996 by master watchmaker and restoration expert Michel Parmigiani—showcases meticulously crafted details, such as hand-knurled bezels and hand-guilloché dials featuring the signature Grain d’Orge (barley grain) pattern.
King Charles of England, an early admirer of the brand when it was still relatively unknown, is frequently seen wearing his Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph, a discontinued model from the early 2000s, at important events. With its ethos of discreet refinement deeply embedded in Parmigiani Fleurier’s DNA, the brand is likely to attract more high-profile figures who value discretion over ostentation.
Ultimately, the timepieces chosen by royals and political figures reflect more than tradition or prestige—they encapsulate a narrative of personal values, taste, and legacy. As symbols of timeless sophistication or quiet innovation, these watches connect past and present, offering a glimpse into the character and values of those who wear them—even without a single word spoken and through the discerning eyes of fellow watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
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